Rosenlund and Motagalvan Sign with Rochester Rhinos

Mar 31, 2010

March 31, 2010

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -
Former UC Santa Barbara standouts Tyler Rosenlund (2004-06) and Alfonso Motagalvan (2005-08) have signed with the Rochester Rhinos - a U.S. Soccer Federation Division 2 Pro League team - it was announced this week.

Rosenlund joins the Rhinos after splitting the 2009 season with Toronto FC (Major League Soccer) and Surrey United of the Pacific Coast Soccer League. He played eight matches in two seasons with Toronto FC and became the first Canadian-born to score for Toronto FC at BMO Field, registering a goal against Chivas USA on Sept. 6, 2008.

"Tyler is a technically gifted midfielder with good vision and awareness," said Rhinos head coach Bob Lilley. "He's a competitor that works hard for the team on both sides of the ball."

Rosenlund played for UCSB from 2004-2006 helping the Gauchos to two College Cup appearances and their 2006 NCAA Division I title. During his collegiate career, he was a two-time All-Big West selection and was named to the 2006 College Cup All-Tournament Team. Following the 2006 season, he went on trial in Sweden and Finland and played two matches with Ativdabergs FF prior to signing with Toronto FC.

The Vancouver, Canada native appeared in 35 matches for the Canadian National U17-23 clubs and one match for the Canadian National Team against Martinique on Jan. 30, 2008.

Motagalvan joins the Rhinos after appearing in 12 regular season matches for the Ventura County Fusion, picking up on assist as a member of the 2009 PDL Championship team.

He played at UCSB from 2005-08 and was a two-time All-Big West selection and a 2008 All-Far West honoree. Motagalvan ranks seventh all-time in the UCSB record books for matches played (81).

"Alfonso is a holding midfield player with very good passing ability and good instincts to read the game defensively," said Lilley.

Currently 11 other former UCSB soccer stars are playing professionally, for the complete list, click here.

This coming fall, UCSB will host the 2010 NCAA Men's Soccer College Cup at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium on Dec. 10 and 12. For up-to-date information on this exciting event, click here.